AFL contract news: Every player who needs a new deal for 2022
Whose time in the AFL is about to run out? And who could be about to put pen to paper on a new deal? See every out of contract player in the game.
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Almost 300 AFL footballers remain without a contract for next year, with five rounds to go in the home and away season.
Some of those hold the power and have no shortage of options, whereas others are playing for their career.
Here are the out-of-contract players at your club.
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ADELAIDE
Out of contract (12): James Borlase, Matt Crouch (restricted free agent), Ben Davis (unrestricted free agent), Lachie Gollant, Jake Kelly (UFA), Tom Lynch (UFA), David Mackay (UFA), Tariek Newchurch, Ronin O’Connor, Patrick Parnell, Kieran Strachan, Daniel Talia (UFA)
Coach Matthew Nicks made it clear last week that Lynch is fighting for his career. Neither Talia (foot) nor Crouch (groin) has seen sighted at senior level in 2021 – something Nicks noted as a factor in their future – and they may not fit Adelaide’s list strategy. Negotiations have started for Kelly without a resolution being close, while Strachan’s been a good SANFL performer and should go around again. Mackay will have to wait again despite being a regular this season, but Davis looks to be up against it unless he can finish strongly.
BRISBANE
Out of contract (10): Connor Ballenden (UFA), Grant Birchall (UFA), Tom Joyce, Kalin Lane, Rhys Mathieson (UFA), Connor McFadyen, Carter Michael, Mitch Robinson (UFA), Archie Smith (UFA), Brock Smith
McCarthy has secured a three-year deal in what looms as his last long-term contract, while Robinson is primed to go on for another season. Birchall is still weighing up what he wants to do but is playing well enough, and he’s healthy enough, to extend his career. Irishman James Madden has triggered a new deal for 2022, but will fringe midfielder Mathieson seek greater opportunity elsewhere? Ballenden hasn’t had many AFL opportunities and is generating some rival interest, but, like McFayden, might be headed for a one-year deal. Michael will be at the Lions in 2022.
CARLTON
Out of contract (19): Eddie Betts (UFA), Jordan Boyd, Levi Casboult (UFA), Matt Cottrell, Ed Curnow (UFA), Mick Gibbons, Josh Honey, Brodie Kemp, Matt Kennedy (UFA), Oscar McDonald (UFA), Marc Murphy (UFA), Nic Newman, Lochie O’Brien, Matt Owies, Luke Parks, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Marc Pittonet, Sam Ramsay, Jack Silvagni
Betts wants to play on and his ability to kick multiple goals eight times this year has helped his cause. The Blues have decisions to make on Owies and Cottrell, who must be promoted to the primary list or delisted. Owies’ performances might even score him a two-year deal. Pittonet is looking at a contract of the same length, while Curnow is close to securing a one-year contract. Silvagni, Newman and the resurgent Kennedy have all established themselves in the senior side. Intrigue remains about O’Brien and especially Petrevski-Seton, who could seek a fresh start elsewhere. Fit-again first-round draftee Kemp is building form in the VFL.
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood
Out of contract (14): Isaac Chugg, Mason Cox, Jack Ginnivan, Max Lynch, Jack Madgen, Chris Mayne (UFA), John Noble, Scott Pendlebury (UFA), Jay Rantall, Trey Ruscoe, Brayden Sier, Anton Tohill, Josh Thomas (UFA), Tom Wilson
Noble is close to sealing a two-year deal and Pendlebury is likely to accept a one-year extension, but there is plenty of uncertainty among the rest. Cox switched agents to Liam Pickering as he mulls his future, while Lynch is emerging as a potential part of this year’s ruck carousel. Sier has spent recent weeks in the VFL, Mayne wants to play on but faces a nervous wait, and discussions are underway for Thomas. Basketball convert Wilson is set to get another chance, and rookies Ginnivan and Chugg have shown enough to persevere with.
ESSENDON
Out of contract (16): Patrick Ambrose (UFA), Kaine Baldwin, Ned Cahill, Dylan Clarke (UFA), Tom Cutler, Marty Gleeson (UFA), Matt Guelfi, Tom Hird, Cale Hooker (UFA), Lachie Johnson, Jayden Laverde, Cian McBride, Irving Mosquito, Andrew Phillips, David Zaharakis (UFA), Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Stringer has extended his Bombers career, netting a three-year deal after a stellar season to date. Laverde – enjoying a breakout year down back – has a contract trigger but will look to negotiate a longer deal at season’s end, while Hooker’s future will also be an end-of-year discussion. Guelfi’s a senior regular but there is no progress on a new deal, while Cahill, Phillips, Clarke and others may need to bide their time. Son-of-a-gun Hird has shown good improvement and will likely be retained as a category B rookie for a third season. Opportunities dried up this year for Zaharakis. Mosquito suffered an ACL rupture in September last year then took indefinite leave in April.
FREMANTLE
Out of contract (15): Bailey Banfield (UFA), Brett Bewley (UFA), Adam Cerra, Reece Conca (UFA), Mitch Crowden, Taylin Duman, Stefan Giro, Stephen Hill (UFA), Lloyd Meek, David Mundy (UFA), Lachie Schultz (UFA), Leno Thomas, Darcy Tucker, Tobe Watson, Nathan Wilson
Opinions differ on whether Cerra will stay or go, but there’s increased hope about him sticking around. Travis Colyer signed a one-year deal to remove himself from this list, while super-veteran Mundy is in advanced talks to play on in 2022. Preliminary discussions have begun on a new deal for Schultz, who also has rival interest. Tucker has moved into a new defensive role since returning from a hamstring setback, while Bewley is keen to get a block of games behind him. Wilson remains without a deal despite playing all bar two matches in 2021. Meek’s opportunities have been limited behind Sean Darcy, but he is likely to stay a Docker despite opposition interest.
GEELONG
Out of contract (15): Oscar Brownless (UFA), Brad Close, Charlie Constable, Francis Evans, Lachie Henderson (UFA), Cam Guthrie (UFA), Zach Guthrie, Ben Jarvis, Josh Jenkins, Nathan Kreuger, Gryan Miers, Quinton Narkle, Stefan Okunbor, Rhys Stanley, Cameron Taheny
Esava Ratugolea did as expected and re-signed for two years this week, turning his back on opposition interest. Close is in line for a contract of the same length, while talks are underway on new deals for Cam Guthrie and Miers. Henderson will be a post-season call, and Narkle has delayed making a decision until after the home and away season. Constable continues to rack up possessions at second-tier level and should get a new one-year contract at the Cattery. Kreuger is another one keen for greater opportunity who has options. Okunbor has shown progress in the VFL but is in his third year as a category B rookie, so would need to be upgraded.
GOLD COAST
Out of contract (13): Matt Conroy, Sam Day (UFA), Aiden Fyfe, Jarrod Harbrow (UFA), Jack Hombsch (UFA), Sean Lemmens (UFA), Jordan Murdoch (UFA), Patrick Murtagh, Hewago Paul Oea, Malcolm Rosas, Zac Smith (UFA), Luke Towey, Jacob Townsend (UFA)
Sam Flanders capped his second season with a fresh two-year deal this week, while Lemmens’ good form down back has him primed to re-sign for up to three seasons. Day is another player expected to commit soon. Rosas made his AFL debut this year and has admirers, while list sizes may determine the future for Towey, Murtagh, Conroy, Oea and Fyfe. Townsend, Harbrow, Murdoch and Hombsch look to be coming to the end of their careers.
GWS GIANTS
Out of contract (16): Callum Brown, Matt Buntine (UFA), Phil Davis, Matt Flynn, Jesse Hogan, Jacob Hopper, Tom Hutchesson, Josh Kelly (RFA), Daniel Lloyd (UFA), Shane Mumford, Sam Reid (UFA), Jake Riccardi, Will Shaw, Nick Shipley, Zach Sproule (UFA), Jake Stein (UFA)
The noise around Hopper is increasingly positive for the Giants, even though he is yet to commit, while Hogan will get a fresh one-year deal and Mumford will retire at season’s end. What happens with Kelly is still a mystery, given his strong form and there being a number of suitors. Davis has parked negotiations while he re-establishes himself post-injuries, and Buntine and Shipley will be among the end-of-season discussions. A shoulder injury has ended Flynn’s breakout season but he will hope the Giants want him to form a ruck partnership with Braydon Preuss. Lloyd and Riccardi are both wanted players. Irishman Brown’s three years as a category B rookie are up, which should help Shaw’s hopes of being retained with that status.
HAWTHORN
Out of contract (17): Lachie Bramble, Keegan Brooksby (UFA), Shaun Burgoyne (UFA), Jackson Callow, James Cousins, Damon Greaves, Ollie Hanrahan, Michael Hartley (UFA), Dan Howe, Emerson Jeka, Jacob Koschitzke, Finn Maginness, Dylan Moore (UFA), Harry Morrison, Tim O’Brien (UFA), Harry Pepper, Jack Saunders
Changkuoth Jiath has hit a contract trigger for 2022 but could sign a longer deal in the coming months. Josh Morris has recommitted until 2023, while Jeka is certain to re-sign. After his career was on a knife’s edge a year ago, Moore’s breakout season up forward has him in a much better position. Koschitzke has also enhanced his standing and will be a Hawk in 2022 and beyond, while Howe is likely to continue for another year. SSP signing Bramble is on track to remain in brown and gold, but there is a bit to play out with Morrison. Maginness is keen to develop as an onballer and a new deal is still some way off. Cousins, O’Brien and Hanrahan may have to bide their time. Burgoyne is retiring this year.
MELBOURNE
Out of contract (18): Oskar Baker, Toby Bedford, Austin Bradtke, Mitch Brown (UFA), Kade Chandler, Majak Daw (UFA), Michael Hibberd, Marty Hore, Neville Jetta (UFA), Nathan Jones (UFA), Jay Lockhart, Aaron Nietschke (UFA), Deakyn Smith, Joel Smith, Aaron vandenBerg, Sam Weideman, Kye Declase, Daniel Turner
The Demons want to retain Weideman, but he is gauging the interest in him. Hibberd will continue at the Demons next year and a deal should be struck soon. vandenBerg is focusing on playing after recovering from more injuries. Bedford has battled for senior opportunities but is likely to be recontracted, while Lockhart is in a similar position. Hore and Nietschke are both recovering from ACL ruptures, including a third for the latter. Daw was a surprise SSP addition but hasn’t played a senior match. It might be curtains for long-time servants Jones and Jetta.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Out of contract (16): Shaun Atley (UFA), Tom Campbell (UFA), Trent Dumont (UFA), Jacob Edwards, Taylor Garner (UFA), Aaron Hall, Charlie Ham, Kyron Hayden (UFA), Matt McGuinness, Connor Menadue (UFA), Robbie Tarrant (UFA), Dom Tyson, Josh Walker (UFA), Patrick Walker, Will Walker (UFA), Jack Ziebell (UFA)
Aiden Bonar’s encouraging progress earned him a two-year deal. Mid-season draftees Edwards and Ham are also set for extensions, including up to three years for the former. Negotiations for Ziebell and Atley are on pause, but they are expected to each receive at least one more year. Josh Walker is on track for a 2022 deal, and the Roos want Tarrant to play on. Dumont is keen to be an onballer and could explore his free agency options, while Hall’s been prolific down back and preliminary discussions are underway. Garner faces a long wait but offers upside, while Tyson has played only six games in three seasons. McGuinness could get a third year as a category B rookie, and Patrick Walker is going well.
PORT ADELAIDE
Out of contract (12): Riley Bonner, Trent Burgoyne, Martin Frederick, Joel Garner, Tyson Goldsack (UFA), Robbie Gray (UFA), Hamish Hartlett (UFA), Jarrod Lienert, Steven Motlop (UFA), Tom Rockliff (UFA), Boyd Woodcock (UFA), Jed McEntee
Gray’s career will extend into a 16th season in the AFL next year, while Motlop played the first 16 games of the year before an ankle setback. Contract talks are also underway for fellow veteran Hartlett. Rockliff’s situation is more tenuous, as he’s admitted himself. Frederick doesn’t have an offer in front of him and will need to be upgraded or delisted, but is tipped to stay at Alberton. Lienert, Bonner, Woodcock, Burgoyne, Garner and McEntee will have to be patient as well. Goldsack will almost certainly finish at season’s end.
RICHMOND
Out of contract (19): David Astbury (UFA), Shai Bolton, Mabior Chol (UFA), Callum Coleman-Jones, Noah Cumberland, Thomson Dow, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith (UFA), Ryan Garthwaite, Bachar Houli (UFA), Rhyan Mansell, Will Martyn, Kamdyn McIntosh (UFA), Ben Miller (UFA), Patrick Naish, Bigoa Nyuon, Matt Parker (UFA), Dan Rioli, Ivan Soldo, Sydney Stack
Jason Castagna is no longer on this list after inking a two-year deal, while Hugo Ralphsmith is also contracted until 2023. Bolton, Chol and Rioli won’t make a decision until season’s end. Stack also plans to delay his call. There are plenty of other dominoes to fall, including whether Houli plays on and if Coleman-Jones sticks around. Astbury will re-sign in the coming months, and Soldo (knee) was put on the injury shelf but will be at Tigerland next year. Dow will be there, too. Tall defenders Garthwaite and Miller have been in the system for a few seasons, while Cumberland kicked five goals in his fourth VFL game back from an ACL rupture.
ST KILDA
Out of contract (18): Sam Alabakis, Jack Billings (RFA), Jake Carlisle, Oscar Clavarino (UFA), Leo Connolly, Luke Dunstan (UFA), James Frawley (UFA), Jarryn Geary (UFA), Paul Hunter (UFA), Darragh Joyce (UFA), Dean Kent, Jack Lonie, Shaun McKernan (UFA), Seb Ross (UFA), Paddy Ryder, Cooper Sharman, Jack Sinclair, Mason Wood (UFA)
The Saints have locked away Jack Sinclair for three years, while SSP signing and ex-Roo Wood is approaching a contract trigger for 2022. Lonie also has a trigger that he could reach with a good finish to the season. Negotiations have started on new deals for Ryder, Billings and Ross. Dunstan’s excellent form since returning to the senior side has given him options, while sweet-kicking Connolly and Sharman should get new deals. Veterans Geary, Carlisle, Frawley and McKernan will have to wait until season’s end.
SYDNEY
Out of contract (19): Joel Amartey, James Bell, Kaiden Brand (UFA), Malachy Carruthers, Jordan Dawson, Robbie Fox (UFA), Will Gould, Sam Gray (UFA), George Hewett (RFA), Matt Ling, Hayden McLean, Barry O’Connor, Colin O’Riordan, Luke Parker (UFA), Sam Reid (UFA), Ben Ronke, Callum Sinclair, Dylan Stephens, Sam Wicks
Tom McCartin re-signed long ago for two years, while category B rookie Marc Sheather also inked a two-year extension. Negotiations are progressing for Parker, while Sydney is keen to keep Dawson, who has interest from both Adelaide teams. Hewett is one to watch and there is a chance he won’t be in red and white in 2021. Reid is weighing up his future after another frustrating injury run, but Wicks could re-sign for up to two years. There is no news yet for 2017 top-15 pick Ling, Bell is close to hitting a trigger and Sinclair is on hold until season’s end. McLean will need to be patient, too.
WEST COAST
Out of contract (16): Brendon Ah Chee (UFA), Brayden Ainsworth, Jarrod Brander, Will Collins, Liam Duggan, Luke Foley, Shannon Hurn (UFA), Mark Hutchings (UFA), Ben Johnson, Jamaine Jones (UFA), Josh Kennedy (UFA), Jack Redden, Josh Rotham, Nathan Vardy, Daniel Venables (UFA), Connor West
Xavier O’Neill is no longer on the market since signing a two-year deal. Duggan is also looking at a multi-year contract, while Rotham and Foley are set to extend their stays as well. Redden has conceded he would have to be satisfied with a one-year deal. Brander is one of the Eagles’ most intriguing prospects who has always held appeal at rival teams, but is happy where he is. Spearhead Kennedy has not ruled out extending his career into a 17th season, while Hurn wants to play again next year. Ah Chee was in the team pre-hand injury but Ainsworth is out of the senior side and could be touch and go. Venables’ concussion issues could spell the end for him.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Out of contract (14): Ben Cavarra (UFA), Zaine Cordy, Taylor Duryea (UFA), Will Hayes (UFA), Lin Jong (UFA), Buku Khamis, Patrick Lipinski, Stefan Martin (UFA), Ed Richards, Anthony Scott, Roarke Smith (UFA), Jordon Sweet, Mitch Wallis (UFA), Lewis Young
Young gun Cody Weightman re-signed for two years this week, while Duryea’s consistent season is also set to deliver him another one-year deal. There is plenty of interest in how the coming months play out for Lipinski, Wallis and Richards, all of whom could be playing elsewhere next year. Young hasn’t been able to consistently win a senior spot, but Cordy has re-established himself in the senior side after starting in the VFL. The decision on whether Martin plays on is in his hands, while Cavarra and Hayes will have to hope their good VFL form will be enough. Ruckman Sweet played the first five AFL games of his career this year.
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